Abstract: A camera is provided with an operation member for fixing one of the exposure data and the focusing position or both the exposure data and the focusing position, and a selector member for selecting one of the operations of the operation member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for the signal processing of pattern profile information detected by optically or electronically scanning a pattern on an object such as a semiconductor wafer or a mask. The system includes a pattern information detector responsive to the scanning to generate an electric detection signal of a time series corresponding to the pattern along the scanning direction, position detecting means for generating a position signal discriminative for example of the direction of scanning each time the scanning advances a predetermined unit amount, and sampling extract means responsive to the position signals to successively sample the detection signal and obtain digital data of the pattern excluding any overlapping data of the pattern sampled at the same positions whereby even if the scanning involves minute oscillations of the scanning speed, the resulting noise in the detection signal is eliminated and an accurate pattern information signal corresponding to the absolute positions is extracted.

Abstract: A light control device includes a planar light-intercepting blade disposed across the optical path of an optical device and driving means for holding the light-intercepting blade and moving the light-intercepting blade in the direction of the surface thereof. The planar light-intercepting blade includes a first area having a substantially constant thickness, a second area surrounded by the first area and thinner than the first area and a coupling portion provided in the first area and coupled to the driving means. The first and second areas are formed so that the proportion of the blade occupied by the second area relative to the first area in the direction of movement of the light-intercepting blade gradually increases in the direction away from the coupling portion.

Abstract: An automatic focusing device is capable of providing stable operation in a range close to the in-focus position, without degrading resopnse outside the range. In the focusing device, a photographic lens is driven, outside a range close to the in-focus position, according to a focusing signal, but, within said range, according to a control signal so modified as not to reflect very fast changes in the focusing signal.